His Saving Grace
A Loveswept Historical Romance
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4.3 • 25 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
USA Today bestselling author Sharon Cullen’s captivating novel tells the deeply emotional tale of two devoted lovers facing the ravages of war.
For months now, Lady Grace Ashworth has mourned the death of her beloved husband—until the day a very-much-alive Michael arrives at her front door. It’s nothing less than a miracle. However, Grace soon realizes that this Michael isn’t the same man who left for the Crimean War. She’s stunned to learn that he has suffered a devastating head injury. Putting all her own desires aside, Grace resolves to devote herself to Michael’s recovery and to love him no matter what troubles may come.
Convinced that his wife is wasting her time on a broken man, Michael attempts to shield Grace from a life of inconvenience by driving her away. But Grace will have none of that. Despite every obstacle Michael throws in her path, she stubbornly soldiers on, fighting not only for their marriage but for the love they once shared. In the end, will her determination alone be enough to save Michael from the darkness that threatens to consume him?
Look for all of Sharon Cullen’s delightful historical romances:
The All the Queen’s Spies series: WED TO A SPY | BOUND TO A SPY
The Secrets & Seduction series: THE NOTORIOUS LADY ANNE | LOVING THE EARL | PLEASING THE PIRATE | HIS SAVING GRACE | SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY | THE RELUCTANT DUCHESS
The Highland Pride series: SUTHERLAND’S SECRET | MACLEAN’S PASSION | CAMPBELL’S REDEMPTION
Praise for His Saving Grace
“Cullen writes an emotional and unique story about a couple’s journey to salvation. . . . Recommended for historical romance readers who appreciate feel-good, emotionally substantial, ‘love conquers all’ tales.”—Library Journal
“Cullen has marked herself as an author to watch.”—Publishers Weekly
“Heart-wrenching and full of real emotion, proving that love is always the answer, His Saving Grace is the best book I’ve read this year!”—USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans
“Few writers can spark a lonely heart to life like Sharon Cullen in His Saving Grace.”—Violetta Rand, author of Surrender
“I heartfully applaud Ms. Cullen for writing this book, considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Historical romance novels rarely tackle such a serious subject, but Ms. Cullen does it with sensitivity and honesty. I highly recommend this book, whether you have read the others in the series or not, and I’m giving it five stars.”—Buried Under Romance
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Cullen (The Notorious Lady Anne) explores the ravages of war in this heart-wrenching historical set in 1855 England. Michael Ashworth went missing, presumed dead, in the Crimean War, leaving his brother, Nigel, to inherit the title of Earl of Blackbourne and look after Michael's widow, Grace. Nigel arranges a betrothal for Grace, who is considering accepting it when Michael unexpectedly returns. Grace is thrilled, but her loving husband suffered horrible head injuries in battle and has changed dramatically. As he and Grace return to the manor house, she tries to help him understand that she still loves him and that they can work together to help him return to his rightful place in society. But Michael's increasing depression, depicted in vivid detail, seems an almost unsurmountable obstacle, and Grace has no idea how to heal his ills. While many historicals explore the physical wounds of war, rarely do authors focus on the devastating effects of brain injuries. Grace is an admirable protagonist, very unlike the superficial aristocrats who are her peers, and unerringly loyal to her husband. Cullen has marked herself as an author to watch with this emotional tale.
Customer Reviews
a wonderful installment to the series.
Sometimes the ravages of war are oft repeated, and Sharon Cullen uses the remove and distance that comes with fiction and presents a story that is timely despite the setting.
Grace is a young woman, believing herself widowed and is oft bullied and harassed by her brother in law. A particularly grasping and distasteful character, he is determined that Grace shall live by his rules as the ‘new’ head of household, a position previously not in his future. Grace is amazingly strong-willed and determined to do ‘right’ as she sees fit, and she is not amenable to his determination to beat her down.
When Michael, Earl of Blackbourne and survivor of a traumatic head injury during the war returns to his home and wife Grace, everyone must make adjustments for the change in circumstances. Most striking is the parallel of Michael’s situation with so many returning from far afield today, and Cullen uses that commonality of experience to enrich her portraits of these two characters, adding depth and emotional elements that bring their relationship to the forefront.
Rather than focusing solely on the historic or distasteful societal machinations of Michael’s brother, this story transcends time and place and gives us a look into the rekindling of the relationship between Grace and Michael, and the trials that come with his injury, anger and guilt from the trauma.
Grace is a stand-out character in this story; not only does she love and want the best for Michael, and is willing to overcome any obstacles in her path, she also is unwilling to capitulate to Nigel’s demands. In fact, she finds evidence to discredit his claims and grasping for the title, all while learning and coping with her newly arrived / recently returned husband.
With secondary characters that fill in the story nicely, holding the feel of the time and social station, as well as a villain that it is easy to mistrust in Nigel, this is a wonderful installment to the series.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.